Cincinnati Reds: Next Year's Tampa Bay Rays

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2009 world champions, the Cincinnati Reds.

Well, maybe not. Stop laughing; I said I was kidding.

The Reds go into the offseason with another losing year. They will go into next year without Adam Dunn or Ken Griffey Jr., and they have nine free agents this offseason.  This offseason could rejuvenate this team to be great for years to come.

Sounds a bit like the Rays.

Why are the Reds so similar, though? Here are the reasons:

Starting Pitching Depth

This will be the first time in years that the Reds will have an above-average rotation. With solid veterans and young pitching, this staff is ready to take it up a notch to a high level. Here's what they've got:

Edinson Volquez: The young ace of this staff, who should remind you of Scott Kazmir. He's as talented as anyone and is signed affordably for years.

Aaron Harang: Can you believe that this guy lead the NL in wins and strikeouts in 2006? Usually I don't like those stats, but this guy has pitched at a high level. He should be completely healthy next year and will be a great complement to Volquez.

Bronson Arroyo: A solid innings-eater. Arroyo pitched for the 2004 Red Sox and has something most Reds players don't: playoff experience. Even if he's only started two games, he still knows what it's like to be in a pennant race.

Johnny Cueto: Had a successful rookie year. Cueto is a low-risk, young player who has the potential of being a No. 3 starter in a good rotation.

Micah Owings: It seems like a long time ago when this guy reminded people of a future ace and was hitting amazingly, but it really shows something when this guy is a No. 5 starter. His home run numbers are low: only 14 last year. Could be decent even in a hitter-friendly park.

Homer Bailey: Not sure what to think about this guy. The Edwin Jackson of the Reds? A top prospect, but hasn't panned out in the majors. But it's not like every pitcher adjusts immediately. If he pans out, he could be an ace.

Young, Talented hitters

The Reds had the third ranked farm system last year. Most of this is because of No. 1 prospect Jay Bruce and slugging first baseman Joey Votto. Both had successful rookie years, but let's look at the other guys who could make this lineup deep.

Brandon Phillips: He comes to mind first. The BJ Upton of the Reds. As talented as anyone but lacks plate discipline. You have to respect his combination of power and speed, though.

Edwin Encarnacion: A sleeper pick as a future star. He's 26 next year, but he's an incredibly streaky hitter. Encarnacion has developed amazing power at a young age. The K/BB ratio is great and shows he can improve. Hit 26 home runs last year and will only get better from there.

Alex Gonzalez = Jason Bartlett

Two of the best defenders in the game. No balls get past these two and infield defense is very important for young pitching. Gonzalez will be a game-changer next year like he was in '03 with the Marlins' young pitchers.

The Bullpen

The pen will get a complete overhaul this year with David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt most likely leaving. This is a chance for the Reds to make some moves for the most unpredictable part of a baseball team. Last year, they acquired the solid closer they've been lacking, Francisco Cordero. With talent around him, the Reds bullpen could drastically improve.

With a solid core of young talent and expected improvement from the pitching staff, expect the Reds to be competitive this year. It will be difficult with the Cubs returning with a great team, the Astros having loads of talent, the Cardinals returning most of their team, and the Brewers having a great core of young players. It looks good for the Reds, though, and they should improve.

P.S.: I'm not a Reds fan.